The Celebration - Part One

On Thursday morning, I awoke from a dream in which I was in labor, giving birth to Ethan.  I wasn't surprised by the dream itself - I went to bed the night before, recalling the events of my true labor, and anticipating the excitement of Ethan's third birthday.

However, in my dream, I had just delivered Ethan and the nurse had taken him over to the warmer.  I was relieved and joyful.  Proud and tired.  Then, as if the two-thousand and twelve me was trying to tell the two-thousand and nine me what was to come, I woke up, startled.

Once I felt I had a grip on reality, and realized it was still dark outside, I looked at the clock on my phone.  What did surprise me was that it was 6:48 a.m.

Ethan was born at 6:46.

*****

The past few days have been simply amazing, celebrating the miracle that came into our world three years ago.  I've walked the line between, "Oh my gosh my baby is growing up!" and "Praise God my baby is growing up!"  Both have come with tears, and an insane amount of pride.

We started Thursday morning by signing "Happy Birthday" to a very sleepy birthday boy.  (For the record, it was after 8:00!)

We did a re-do once he came downstairs, which was much more well-received on his end!

Ethan popped his birthday money balloons (one dollar for each year)...

...opened his gift from Jeramie and me...

...ate some birthday cinnamon rolls...

...and practiced his jump shot.

Later, we met Bubbie at a fancy-shmancy cupcake shop downtown, then enjoyed a beautiful afternoon at the park!

We closed the day with a birthday dinner at Ethan's current favorite dining establishment, Chick-fil-A, and put a very tired three-year old to bed!

On Friday night, I had the opportunity to tell a brief portion of Ethan's story during a jazz show benefiting Duke Children's - all the while, sharing the stage with a man who's had a hand (literally) in mending Ethan's heart.  (The first time being exactly three years ago from Friday night.)

That was such a moving experience for me! I held it together during the actual speech, but lost it afterwards backstage.  I was overwhelmed by the number of people in the crowd I saw wiping their own eyes, proud of how Ethan has helped to push me out of my comfort zone, and incredibly grateful for humble, talented men like Dr. R.

It was amazing.

Saturday brought about its own excitement - the long awaited PARTY! But, that's another post for another day.  This Mama is wiped out and, while my body wants to believe it's only 11:00 p.m. right now, tomorrow morning is going to be a different story.

So, goodnight, and I'll be back tomorrow with the par-tay post!